U.S. patent number 8,327,871 [Application Number 12/814,192] was granted by the patent office on 2012-12-11 for multi-valve cartridge pressure regulator.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Reliance Worldwide Corporation. Invention is credited to John W. Brill, Douglas M. Franklin.
United States Patent |
8,327,871 |
Franklin , et al. |
December 11, 2012 |
Multi-valve cartridge pressure regulator
Abstract
A pressure regulator having a conduit with a plurality of
adjustable valves inserted reversibly into the conduit. The valves
are aligned along the axis of water flow. The interior of the
conduit is divided into an inlet chamber and outlet chamber by a
septum. The valves are inserted into the inlet chamber, and valve
seats protrude through holes in the septum into the outlet chamber,
thereby sealing the inlet chamber from the outlet chamber. Fluid
flows into the conduit, into the inlet chamber, through the open
valve, into the outlet chamber, and then flows out of the conduit.
The valves regulate fluid pressure in the outlet chamber. The
degree of pressure regulation can be adjusted for each valve by
turning pressure adjustment knobs on the top of the valves to
produce precise regulation of pressure and fluid flow. A conduit
plug can replace a valve in the conduit.
Inventors: |
Franklin; Douglas M. (Cullman,
AL), Brill; John W. (Cullman, AL) |
Assignee: |
Reliance Worldwide Corporation
(Cullman, AL)
|
Family
ID: |
47289019 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/814,192 |
Filed: |
June 11, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61186522 |
Jun 12, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
137/271;
137/505.36; 137/613 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05D
16/0655 (20130101); G05D 16/0404 (20190101); Y10T
137/87917 (20150401); Y10T 137/782 (20150401); Y10T
137/5283 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
F17D
1/00 (20060101); G05D 16/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;137/269,271,613,454.2,454.5,505,505.36,884 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Lee; Kevin
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Walsh; Gerald M. Bush; Kenneth M.
Bush Intellectual Property Law
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/186,522, filed Jun. 12, 2009, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A fluid pressure regulator, comprising: a) a conduit having an
inlet port, an outlet port, and an internal septum dividing the
interior of said conduit into an inlet chamber and an outlet
chamber, wherein the inlet port opens only into the inlet chamber
and the outlet port opens only into the outlet chamber; b) said
conduit having two or more conduit openings and the septum having
two or more septum openings, with a valve cartridge reversibly
inserted into each of said conduit openings and with said valve
cartridges extending through said septum openings, wherein said
valve cartridges seal the inlet chamber from the outlet chamber
within said conduit; c) each said valve cartridge having a spring,
a seat disc, and a valve seat, wherein the spring exerts a pushing
force to push the seat disc away from the valve seat to open said
valve cartridge to said outlet chamber; d) each said valve
cartridge having a diaphragm creating a diaphragm chamber in said
valve cartridge, wherein said diaphragm chamber is in communication
with said outlet chamber and with the fluid and pressure therein
when said valve cartridge is open to said outlet chamber; e) said
valve cartridge having a piston which isolates the diaphragm
chamber from the inlet chamber and the fluid and pressure therein;
and f) each said valve cartridge and the conduit openings are
aligned sequentially and in series along the axis of fluid flow,
wherein one or more said valve cartridges are replaceable with a
conduit plug reversibly insertable into the conduit openings, and
wherein the maximum flow capability of the fluid pressure regulator
is limited or reduced through the use of said conduit plug.
2. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 1, further comprising the
diaphragm pushing against the spring when pressure in the outlet
chamber exceeds the pushing force of the spring, thereby causing
the seat disc to be pulled into the valve seat to close said valve
cartridge.
3. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 1 wherein the seat disc
and the valve seat are positioned within the outlet chamber.
4. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 1 wherein the diaphragm
chamber is connected to an outlet pressure sensing port which is in
contact with fluid and pressure in the outlet chamber.
5. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 1 wherein the piston has a
pull rod whereby the seat disc is pulled into the valve seat or is
pushed away from the valve seat.
6. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 1 wherein said valve
cartridge has a pressure adjustment knob at a top end of said valve
cartridge, a pressure adjustment screw, and a numeric pressure
indicating disc; wherein the pressure adjustment knob is rotatable
clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the degree of tension in
the spring by compressing or decompressing the spring; wherein the
greater the tension in the spring the greater the fluid pressure
required to move the seat disc into the valve seat to close the
valve cartridge to disrupt the flow of water through said valve
cartridge; and wherein each valve cartridge is independently
adjustable to regulate pressure independently and to open or close
sequentially.
7. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 1 wherein said valve
cartridge has a pressure adjustment knob at a top end of said valve
cartridge, a pressure adjustment screw, and a numeric pressure
indicating disc; wherein the pressure adjustment knob is rotatable
clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the degree of tension in
the spring by compressing or decompressing the spring; wherein the
greater the tension in the spring the greater the fluid pressure
required to move the seat disc into the valve seat to close the
valve cartridge to disrupt the flow of water through said valve
cartridge; and wherein each valve cartridge is independently
adjustable to regulate pressure independently and to open or close
sequentially.
8. A fluid pressure regulator, comprising: a) a conduit having an
inlet port, an outlet port, and an internal septum dividing the
interior of said conduit into an inlet chamber and an outlet
chamber, wherein the inlet port opens only into the inlet chamber
and the outlet port opens only into the outlet chamber; b) said
conduit having two or more conduit openings and the septum having
two or more septum openings, with a valve cartridge reversibly
inserted into each of said conduit openings and with said valve
cartridges extending through said septum openings, wherein said
valve cartridges seal the inlet chamber from the outlet chamber
within said conduit; c) each said valve cartridge having a spring,
a seat disc, and a valve seat, wherein the spring exerts a pushing
force to push the seat disc away from the valve seat to open said
valve cartridge to said outlet chamber; d) each said valve
cartridge having a diaphragm creating a diaphragm chamber in said
valve cartridge, wherein said diaphragm chamber is in communication
with said outlet chamber and with the fluid and pressure therein
when said valve cartridge is open to said outlet chamber; e) said
valve cartridge having a piston which isolates the diaphragm
chamber from the inlet chamber and the fluid and pressure therein;
f) said diaphragm pushing against the spring when pressure in the
outlet chamber exceeds the pushing force of the spring, thereby
causing the seat disc to be pulled into the valve seat to close
said valve cartridge; g) the seat disc and the valve seat are
positioned within the outlet chamber; and h) each said valve
cartridge and the conduit openings are aligned sequentially and in
series along the axis of fluid flow, wherein one or more said valve
cartridges are replaceable with a conduit plug reversibly
insertable into the conduit openings, and wherein the maximum flow
capability of the fluid pressure regulator is limited or reduced
through the use of said conduit plug.
9. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 8 wherein the diaphragm
chamber is connected to an outlet pressure sensing port which is in
contact with fluid and pressure in the outlet chamber.
10. The fluid pressure regulator of claim 9 wherein the piston has
a pull rod whereby the seat disc is pulled into the valve seat or
is pushed away from the valve seat.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to pressure regulators for fluids
and, more particularly, to a pressure regulator that has a
plurality of adjustable pressure and flow control valves with
diaphragm chambers, the valves being positioned in a conduit having
an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In many fluid delivery systems overpressure protection is needed to
prevent damage to pipes, conduits, vessels, and the like that may
result from excessive fluid pressures. In some cases is it
desirable to have a plurality of pressure regulating valves in
parallel or in series in order to convey the required flow capacity
with reasonably accurate pressure regulation, but this type of
system may be complex, expensive and difficult to install and
maintain.
What is needed is a single, easy to install, pressure regulator
that will provide for a high flow rate yet allow precise regulation
of fluid pressure with simple variable pressure control devices
that are modular and thus easy to replace.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a fluid pressure regulator having a
conduit with an inlet port, an outlet port, and an internal septum
dividing the interior of the conduit into an inlet chamber and an
outlet chamber. The inlet port opens only into the inlet chamber
and the outlet port opens only into the outlet chamber. The conduit
has two or more conduit openings for the reversible insertion of
valves or valve cartridges, and the septum has two or more septum
openings for reversible insertion of valves. The valves seal the
inlet chamber from the outlet chamber when they are placed within
the conduit. The valve cartridge has a spring, a seat disc, and a
valve seat. The spring exerts a pushing force to push the seat disc
away from the valve seat to open the valve.
The valve has a diaphragm creating a diaphragm chamber in
communication with the outlet chamber and with the fluid and
pressure therein. The valve has a piston which isolates the
diaphragm chamber from the inlet chamber and the fluid and pressure
therein. The diaphragm pushes against the spring when pressure in
the outlet chamber exceeds the pushing force of the spring, thereby
causing the seat disc to be pulled into the valve seat to close the
valve. The seat disc and the valve seat are positioned within the
outlet chamber. The diaphragm chamber is connected to an outlet
pressure sensing port which is in contact with fluid and pressure
in the outlet chamber.
The valve has a pressure adjustment knob at a top end of the valve,
a pressure adjustment screw, and a numeric pressure indicating
disc. The pressure adjustment knob is rotatable clockwise or
counterclockwise to adjust the degree of tension in the spring by
compressing or decompressing the spring. The greater the tension in
the spring the greater the fluid pressure required to move the seat
disc into the valve seat to close the valve to disrupt the flow of
water through the valve.
By adjusting the pressure adjustment knobs the pressure drop from
the inlet port to the outlet port can be adjusted very precisely
and accurately. When maintenance is required, one or more of the
valve cartridges can be removed from the conduit without removing
the conduit from the pipes or tubing to which it is connected at
the inlet port and at the outlet port.
An advantage of the present invention is flow capacity enhanced
though specific alignment of the valve cartridges.
Another advantage is flow control accuracy through independent
pressure adjustment of a plurality of valve cartridges.
Another advantage is flow capacity expandability by the use of
valve cartridge plugs which can be fitted in place of valve
cartridges to limit flow and allow for future flow
expandability.
Another advantage is the use of multiple valve cartridges which
allows for each valve to be adjusted to regulate pressure
independently and open or close sequentially, dependent upon the
immediate flow requirement.
Another advantage is that the independently adjustable valve
cartridges allow the pressure regulator to control the flow of
water with a high level of precision, offering superior durability
with little required maintenance.
Another advantage is that variations in inlet pressure do not
affect regulated outlet pressure as long as inlet pressure remains
greater than the set pressure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows an illustration of the multi-cartridge pressure
regulator of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows the conduit of the pressure regulator with the valve
cartridges removed.
FIG. 3 shows a bisected view of the conduit further showing the
internal septum within the conduit, dividing the conduit into an
inlet chamber and an outlet chamber.
FIG. 4 illustrates a typical valve system or cartridge that may be
used with the pressure regulator of the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows a side cross-sectional view of the multi-valve
pressure regulator of the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows an end view of the pressure regulator from the inlet
end.
FIG. 7 shows an end view of the pressure regulator from the outlet
end.
FIG. 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of the pressure regulator
in which one of the valve cartridges has been replaced with a
cartridge plug.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
While the following description details the preferred embodiments
of the present invention, it is to be understood that the invention
is not limited in its application to the details of construction
and arrangement of the parts illustrated in the accompanying
drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and
of being practiced in various ways.
FIG. 1 shows an illustration of the multi-cartridge pressure
regulator 10 of the present invention. The pressure regulator 10
has a conduit 11 and has three valves or valve cartridges 12 on top
of conduit 11 wherein the valve cartridges 12 are aligned,
preferably, sequentially and in series along the axis of fluid
flow. This alignment of the valve cartridges 12 allows for greatest
flow of water through the pressure regulator 10. Each valve
cartridge 12 has a pressure adjustment knob 13. Conduit 11 has
three openings with threaded bases 14 for reversible attachment of
the valve cartridges 12. These openings are also aligned,
preferably, sequentially and in series along the axis of fluid
flow. This alignment of the openings and valve cartridges 12 allows
for the greatest flow through the conduit 11. The valve cartridges
12 are attached to the threaded bases 14 by means of threaded nut
15. Conduit 11 has an inlet port 16 on one end. FIG. 2 shows the
conduit 11 with valve cartridges 12 removed. FIG. 3 shows a
bisected view of conduit 11 further showing an outlet port 20. The
internal portion of conduit 11 has an internal septum 17 which
divides the internal portion of conduit 11 into an upper (or inlet)
chamber 18 and into a lower (or outlet) chamber 19. The inlet port
16 opens only into the inlet chamber 18 and the outlet port 20
opens only into the outlet chamber 19. Septum 17 has three holes or
openings 22.
FIG. 4 illustrates a typical valve system or cartridge 12 that may
be used with the pressure regulator 10 of the present invention.
Valve cartridge 12 has a pressure adjustment knob 13 at the top and
a valve seat 23 at the bottom. Valve seat 23 includes a seat disc
41 and a seat shell 42. Valve 12 further has a numeric pressure
indicating disc 26, a pressure adjustment screw 27, a spring button
28, a spring chamber 29, a pressure spring 30, a pressure plate 31,
a diaphragm 32, a piston 33, a u-cup seal 34, a strainer screen 35,
a retainer 36, a body seat or insert 37, an outlet pressure sensing
port 38, an o-ring 39, and a pull rod 40. There is a diaphragm
chamber 21 between the piston 33 and the diaphragm 32. The pressure
plate 31, diaphragm 32, piston 33, u-cup seal 34 and retainer 36
are secured to the upper end of the pull rod 40 by way of threaded
nut 43. The seat disc 41 is secured to the lower end of pull rod 40
by way of threaded seat shell 42. When all parts are secured to the
pull rod 40, they combine to form a pull rod sub-assembly that
functions in a cohesive manner.
FIG. 5 shows a side cross-sectional view of the pressure regulator
10. FIG. 6 shows an end view of the pressure regulator 10 from the
inlet end 16, and FIG. 7 shows an end view of the pressure
regulator 10 from the outlet end 20. Spring 30 pushes down on the
pressure plate 31 which is connected to the piston 33. When piston
33, attached to the upper end of pull rod 40, is pushed down the
pull rod 40 is pushed down, and the seat disc 41 is pushed down,
away from the valve seat 23, which opens valve 12. The diaphragm 32
is between the pressure plate 31 and the piston 33. The diaphragm
32 creates the diaphragm chamber 21 around the piston 33. The
diaphragm chamber 21 is in communication with the outlet sensing
port 38 which is open to the outlet chamber 19 and to the fluid and
pressure therein. If the pressure in outlet chamber 19 is greater
than the force of spring 30 pushing on pressure plate 31, then that
pressure pushes upon diaphragm 32, upon pressure plate 31, and upon
spring 30, thereby pulling up on pull rod 40 and pulling seat disc
41 into valve seat 23, which closes valve 12.
Water pressure at the inlet 16 will cause water to flow into inlet
chamber 18, then through strainer screens 35 and pass the valve
seat 23, thereby filling the outlet chamber 19 and filling the
diaphragm chamber 21 through the outlet pressure sensing ports 38.
The water will continue to flow until pressure increases
sufficiently to cause the diaphragm 32 to oppose the downward force
from the pressure spring 30 and lift the seat disc 41 into the
valve seat 23 by way of the pull rod 40 and pull rod sub-assembly.
The valve cartridges 12 are placed into the threaded bases 14, and
the valve seats 23 project through the septum openings 22. As
threaded nut 15 is screwed into the threaded base 14 the valve
cartridges 12 are sealed in the threaded bases 14 and the valve
seats 23 are sealed in the septum 17. The inlet chamber 18 is thus
sealed from the outlet chamber 19. The valve seats 23 and seat
discs 41 are positioned within the outlet chamber 19, and the
pressure sensing ports 38 are in contact with the fluid and fluid
pressure in the outlet chamber 19.
The pressure adjustment knobs 13 can be rotated clockwise or
counter clockwise to adjust the degree of tension in the pressure
spring 30 by compressing or decompressing the spring 30. The
greater the tension in pressure spring 30 the greater the pressure
the water must have to move the seat disc 41 into the valve seat 23
to disrupt the flow of water through the valve 12. Thus, the
greater the tension in pressure spring 30 the greater the pressure
in the outlet chamber 19. By adjusting the pressure adjustment
knobs 13 the pressure drop from the inlet port 16 to the outlet
port 20 can be adjusted very precisely and accurately. When
maintenance is required, one or more of the valve cartridges 12 can
be removed from the threaded base 14 by unscrewing the threaded nut
15, without removing the conduit 11 from the pipes or tubing to
which it is connected at the inlet port 16 and at the outlet port
20.
The purpose of the valve cartridges 12 is to regulate and reduce
pressure on the outlet side 20 of the conduit 11. When a pressure
regulator 10 of the present invention is initially installed and
commissioned it is normally in the full open position allowing
water to flow through the device uninterrupted. The valve 12 is
held in the full open position by the pressure spring 30. Pressure
rises when the system is filled. This rise in pressure results in
an increase in the upward force against the diaphragm 32 which may
eventually exceed the downward force from the pressure spring 30
causing the valve 12 to close. When a tap is opened downstream, a
reduction in outlet pressure is produced. This pressure reduction
effectively decreases the force against the diaphragm 32 and the
pressure spring 30 takes over again causing the valve 12 to open
until demand for water is satisfied. Key components of the valve
cartridge 12 include the diaphragm 32 and pressure spring 30. The
piston 33, along with the u-cup seal 34, serve only to isolate the
diaphragm chamber 21 from the inlet chamber 18 and the fluid and
pressure therein, and do not directly cause the valve 12 to open or
close. The use of multiple valve cartridges 12 allows for each to
be adjusted to regulate pressure independently and open or close
sequentially, depending upon the immediate flow requirement. The
plurality of independently adjustable valves allows the overall
pressure regulator 10 to control the flow of water with a higher
level of precision than conduits fitted with a single valve. In
addition, the use of valve cartridges 12 offers great durability
with little required maintenance. Variations in inlet pressure do
not in any way affect regulated outlet pressure (or set pressure)
provided, of course, that inlet pressure remains greater than the
set pressure.
FIG. 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of the pressure regulator
10 in which one of the valve cartridges 12 has been replaced with a
conduit plug (cartridge plug) 45. One or more of the valve
cartridges 12 are replaceable with cartridge plugs 45, reversibly
insertable into the conduit openings. The cartridge plug 45 is
secured by means of threaded nut 15 and effectively seals the
openings in both the internal and external portions of the conduit
11 by means of o-rings 39. The maximum flow capability of the
pressure regulator 10 can be limited or reduced through the use of
the cartridge plug 45 which can be fitted in place of one or more
of the valve cartridges 12. This will allow the regulator 10 to
function more effectively when flow requirements are minimal yet
allow for expansion as future demand for water increases.
The foregoing description has been limited to specific embodiments
of this invention. It will be apparent, however, that variations
and modifications may be made, by those skilled in the art, to the
disclosed embodiments of the invention, with the attainment of some
of all of its advantages and without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention. For example, the pressure regulator
can be constructed of metal or plastic or a combination thereof.
The pressure regulators can be used in series or in parallel or
both in pipes and tubing. One or more valve cartridges can be used
in a single pressure regulator. The pressure regulators will
regulate both liquid and gas flow.
It will be understood that various changes in the details,
materials, and arrangements of the parts which have been described
and illustrated above in order to explain the nature of this
invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing
from the principle and scope of the invention as recited in the
following claims.
* * * * *